Major boost for Roscrea as dedicated officer appointed to oversee regeneration

CLLR Shane Lee says that there are exciting times ahead for Roscrea following the news before Christmas that the town is being granted €100,000 under the Town Centre First Policy, followed this week by news that a Regeneration Officer is to take up office with the sole purpose of overseeing and co-ordinating the Policy.

“Roscrea is the only town in Tipperary to benefit from this new Town Centre First Policy. It was selected as the forerunner by Tipperary County Council as it met the criteria envisioned by the Department for Rural and Community Development. Only one town was put forward by each Local Authority in the country,”says Cllr. Lee.

The Town Centre First policy aims to create Town Centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for local people.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of the importance of quality public spaces, streets, parks and other amenities in towns. Towns impact on our quality of life and should be attractive places for people of all ages, abilities and social background to live and work, particularly with the opportunities now presented by remote working.

“The Town Centre First Plan will be driven by the local community and businesses as part of a Town Team. They will be supported by the newly appointed Town Regeneration Officer and technical expertise from within each Local Authority. This new plan will bring to reality many of the ambitions of the existing Roscrea Enhancement Committee, who had the vision to see a better future for the town and work towards making it a reality. It will also hear the views of business interests and local groups who have a vital role to play in the future of Roscrea,” says Cllr Lee.

Very importantly, towns will be supported to deliver on their Town Centre First plans through substantial funding made available to support Town Centre First implementation, with funding from sources such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

‘I am particularly pleased to see the Town Centre First plan receive the approval of Age Friendly Roscrea. Care for the elderly in Roscrea is major priority for everyone,” concluded Cllr Lee.